Sydney and New South Wales

Sydney is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world, surrounded by nature at every turn and with a beautiful harbour at its heart. You’ll find plenty of ways to explore this beautiful city; a cruise on the harbour, walking along the Bondi to Bronte coastal track, learning to surf at iconic Manly Beach or dining in style by the harbour.

Sydney Harbour is alive with ferries, yachts, launches, ocean liners and kayaks. Laze on a chartered yacht moored in a secluded bay or unwind on a cruise departing from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. One of the most affordable, and enjoyable, ways to enjoy the harbour is on a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly where you can wander along the beach, visit an aquarium and snack on fresh fish and chips. Else join a kayaking tour, or paddle in the quieter reaches of the harbour. Thrill seekers should book in for a high-speed jet boat trip that’s pure fun.

Sydney is also lucky to have plenty of green space along the harbour. Extending over 30 hectares, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy a spectacular harbourside location and are a relaxing spot for a picnic or walk.

After you’ve experienced the top sights in Sydney, get out and explore some of the regions close by. Driving in New South Wales is pretty relaxed with an excellent network of roads, good driving conditions and plenty of things to see and do.

Less than two hours’ drive from Sydney, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are one of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions. There are hundreds of walking tracks in the area taking you past lookouts with breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains in this pristine region.

With 26 golden beaches, a vast blue bay and many beautiful inlets, Port Stephens is an idyllic beach getaway. Freshly-caught seafood, local wineries and waterside, alfresco dining are available at cafés and restaurants at Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens. Port Stephens is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins; you'll find plenty of tours departing from Nelson Bay that offer dolphin-watch cruises or even kayak trips. Whale-watching is also popular during the annual migration north in June and July, and south from September to November.

150 top-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors, 65 restaurants and 180 places to stay. The Hunter Valley is one of the best regions in NSW to really indulge a love of good food and wine with everything from olive oil tastings and seasonal degustation menus to food and wine events and welcoming cellar doors.

 

Family-friendly Sydney

Sydney is packed with kid-friendly things to do that will keep the whole family entertained. The good news is that most of them are close to the city centre and easily accessible by public transport.

There are plenty of places to see Australia’s native wildlife close to the city centre. Catch a ferry to famous Taronga Zoo which has spectacular harbour and city views or wander around Darling Harbour to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Manly is home to Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary where you can see Australia’s colourful marine life; watch out for the little penguins that inhabit the waters near Manly Wharf.

The Powerhouse Museum at Darling Harbour has more than 250 fun-packed exhibits that feature an assembly of technical, scientific and industrial wizardry while the Australian Museum has a kids' program and a dedicated area for under-fives.

Cricket plays a big part in Australia’s sporting history and cricket fans will love the SCG Tour Experience at the famous Sydney Cricket Ground. A short train ride away, an interactive tour at Sydney Olympic Park allows you to follow in the footsteps of Olympic Champions. See more sporting heroes at Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour in waxed perfection.

Don’t miss activities in Sydney include a BridgeClimb, a visit to the top of Sydney Tower Eye and a spin on the ferris wheel at harbourside Luna Park.

For more information go to Sydney.com
http://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/family-holidays

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